Final answer:
After rotating a plane mirror by 30 degrees, the reflected ray changes direction by 60 degrees due to the Law of Reflection.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a light ray reflects off a plane mirror, the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence according to the Law of Reflection. If a mirror is rotated by an angle, the reflected ray will change direction by twice that angle. Therefore, if the mirror is rotated through 30°, the reflected ray will change direction by 60°.
The Law of Reflection governs the behavior of light when it encounters a plane mirror, establishing a relationship between the incident and reflected rays. According to this law, the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence, creating a predictable symmetry in the reflection process. Consequently, if a mirror undergoes rotation, altering its orientation, the reflected ray adjusts accordingly.